The Red Devils are keen to strengthen their defence ahead of the new season, and Ramos is said to be Louis van Gaal’s first-choice defensive target.

The player himself is also rumoured to have informed Real that he specifically wants an Old Trafford move, Sky Sports‘ Graham Hunter claimed on Monday night.

However, according to Spanish journalist Pipi Estrada, van Gaal could face serious competition for the 29-year-old’s signature.

Not only are Manchester City also rumoured to be considering an offer for Ramos, according to the Manchester Evening News, but Estrada states that Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola is eyeing a deal for the Santiago Bernabeu superstar, too.

“Another team is going to join the fight for Sergio Ramos,” Estrada told Spanish station Radio Brand.

“As you can see there is a team who truly wants to sign Sergio Ramos [Manchester United].

“But Guardiola also wants Sergio Ramos.”

The former Barcelona manager, the Daily Star claim, has the funds to meet Los Blancos’ valuation to beat interest from the Premier League, and is hopeful of luring his former La Liga rival to the Allianz Arena.

According to the British newspaper, the former Sevilla star is valued at £42.5m, while previous reports from the Express have also suggested that he carries a price-tag of £64m.

Either way, the centre-back won’t come cheap this summer.

BBC Sport reported that Manchester United had got the bidding underway with an offer of £28.6m.